Bill > S902

This bill allows a child, who is at least 12 years old, to ask a court to reverse an order that terminated their parents' rights, but only if at least two years have passed since the original termination order and adoption is no longer the plan for the child's future, and either the child hasn't been adopted or their adoptive parents' rights have also been terminated or surrendered. The child must sign the request, and the court will hold a hearing, notifying the former parents but not making them formal parties to the case, though their testimony can be used. The court will grant the request if it finds, by a preponderance of the evidence (meaning it's more likely than not), that reversing the termination of parental rights is in the child's best interest, and will then issue a new order for the child's care if it's also in their best interest. This provision applies even if the two-year waiting period was met before the bill becomes law.